Kylian Mbappe has sent out a clear warning to Arsenal legend Thierry Henry and told him: "I am coming for your France records."
The Paris Saint-Germain star is used to dominating the headlines for club and country having comfortably become one of the best players in the world. But he wants to forge his name in legend by becoming the top goalscorer for his country.
Despite his career still being very much in its infancy, the 23-year-old has an incredible trophy cabinet swelling with silverware that includes four Ligue 1 titles, the National League and the World Cup. But there is still plenty to come on an international level.
After France's 5-0 win over South African, Mbappe told Henry that his national team record of 51 goals is firmly in his sights. And after his double on Tuesday night, it would take a brave man to bet against him.
His brace took him to 26 goals in total in just 54 matches while in reality, Mbappe could obliterate Henry's record if he stays injury-free. The Frenchman was confident that he could reach 51 in rapid time as well.
“Of course it’s an objective, I’ve always wanted to be the first at everything, whether that’s with the French team or in club football," he said. “There’s still a long way to go. Nobody’s done what Titi did. I think I can get there much quicker than people think.”
Olivier Giroud is also closing in on Henry's record after his goal against South Africa took the AC Milan star to within three of the Arsenal legend's. But Mbappe is expected to beat both comfortably while Antoine Griezmann is also close with 42.
At club level, it could not be more unclear for Mbappe right now as his contract expires at the end of the season. PSG are desperate to keep hold of their talisman but might be powerless to stop the striker from completing a dream move to Real Madrid.
Los Blancos made a bid for the forward last summer only to be rebuffed but the former Monaco man has made no secret of his desire to eventually play at the Bernabeu. However, there has been a lack of progress which has stifled a potential deal, allowing PSG to potentially keep hold of the youngster.
Their performance in the Champions League would have damaged their efforts, though, after Mbappe himself put his side two goals up against Real with 30 minutes to go. But a stupendous hat-trick from Karim Benzema saw the Parc des Princes outfit embarrassingly beaten while Mauricio Pochettino has come under pressure as a result.
